How the Specific Gravity Converter Works
The Specific Gravity Converter takes specific gravity (SG), turns it into density against water at 4°C (1.000 kg/L), and converts your kilograms into liters.
Enter the mass
Type the weight in kilograms into the Mass field.
Enter the specific gravity
Type the SG from the product label, hydrometer or SDS. SG 1.05 means 5% denser than water.
Read the liters
The calculator divides the mass by SG × 1.000 kg/L and shows the volume.
Correct for temperature
Use the SG measured at the same temperature as your product for the tightest result.
Specific Gravity Converter Formula
The specific gravity conversion formula is Volume (L) = Mass (kg) ÷ (SG × ρwater), with ρwater = 1.000 kg/L at 4°C (39.2°F).
- SG
- Specific gravity, a unitless ratio
- ρwater
- Reference water density, 1.000 kg/L at 4°C (0.9982 kg/L at 20°C)
- m
- Mass in kg
- V
- Volume in L
Worked Examples
- SG 1.05 liquid: 10 kg ÷ 1.05 = 9.524 L.
- SG 0.85 oil: 10 kg ÷ 0.85 = 11.765 L.
- SG 1.84 sulfuric acid (98%): 25 kg ÷ 1.84 = 13.587 L.
Specific Gravity Converter Conversion Table
A liquid with SG 1.05 has a density of 1.050 kg/L, so 1 kg fills 0.952 L. The table converts common SG readings into density and volume.
| Specific Gravity | Density (kg/L) | lb per US gal | Liters per 1 kg | Liters per 10 kg | Typical Liquid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.70 | 0.700 | 5.84 | 1.429 | 14.286 | Gasoline range |
| 0.79 | 0.790 | 6.59 | 1.266 | 12.658 | Ethanol, acetone |
| 0.92 | 0.920 | 7.68 | 1.087 | 10.870 | Vegetable oils |
| 1.00 | 1.000 | 8.35 | 1.000 | 10.000 | Water at 4°C |
| 1.03 | 1.030 | 8.60 | 0.971 | 9.709 | Milk, seawater |
| 1.05 | 1.050 | 8.76 | 0.952 | 9.524 | Detergent, wort |
| 1.26 | 1.260 | 10.52 | 0.794 | 7.937 | Glycerin |
| 1.42 | 1.420 | 11.85 | 0.704 | 7.042 | Honey |
| 1.84 | 1.840 | 15.36 | 0.543 | 5.435 | Sulfuric acid 98% |
What is a Specific Gravity Converter?
A Specific Gravity Converter is a calculator that converts mass to volume using specific gravity, the ratio of a substance density to water density.
Specific gravity (SG) has no unit. Brewers, battery technicians, chemists and fuel suppliers read SG with a hydrometer or digital meter and quote it on labels and certificates.
SG and density in kg/L share the same number when water at 4°C is the reference. At 20°C (68°F) water weighs 0.9982 kg/L, so an SG of 1.050 at 20/20°C gives a density of 1.048 kg/L.
What are the Uses of a Specific Gravity Converter?
There are 5 main uses of a Specific Gravity Converter.
Brewing
Brewers convert wort and beer weights using original and final gravity readings.
Battery service
Technicians estimate electrolyte volume from SG 1.265 lead-acid acid.
Chemical receiving
Stores teams check drum volumes from the SG on a certificate of analysis.
Urine and lab testing
Labs convert sample masses using refractometer SG readings.
Fuel quality
Depots compare delivered fuel SG with the contract specification.